Billy Dearden admitted Mansfield's injury crisis had hampered them against Macclesfield - but he refused to blame the youngsters who filled in for the defeat.

With six players unavailable, the Stags were beaten 2-1 for the second home game running as they struggled to get going until they were two down.

"You miss two players like Jake Buxton and Jonathan D'Laryea but the lads who have gone in have to do it and they haven't," said Dearden.

"They have to come in and give me a problem for the next game, but they haven't managed to do that.

"But the young lads who have come in (Danny Sleath and Nathan Arnold) have not had enough football to be able to do that.

"It is unfair to criticise them in those circumstances and you have to remember that they are still learning."

Dearden could not hide his disappointment that Mansfield had failed to take any points from consecutive home games against Boston and Macclesfield.

He added: "It has come after a great run to get where we are and we could still be struggling in the bottom four.

"If we had played anything like in these two home games then we would have won both, but we have not performed in either."
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Ray's Review
Macclesfield Town's official website.

Silkmen Online caught up with Assistant Manager Ray Mathias to hear his thoughts on Friday evening's game at Mansfield.
"The first half was a bit of a battle and we didn't really do ourselves justice. We had to make a few changes with Martin Bullock missing out due to flu and Dave Morley having pulled a groin in training. Whilst they were quick to close us down we just didn't the ball out wide and the play was far too narrow and condensed. We addressed that at half time and the difference was clear to see as soon as the second half got underway."
"We opened the game up and stretched them at the back. And we finally got the ball out to John Miles. He's got great feet and on his day can make a big impact in the last third of the field. He's an intelligent footballer with a good brain and his interplay with the two front lads was great to see. He played a big part in both goals and that was the difference."
"If you can be critical after such a great win, we yet again took our foot off the pedal. I suppose it's inevitable that nerves will creep in, especially with Shrewsbury fresh in the memory, but it was really disappointing to concede the goal in the way we did. We've been very disciplined at set pieces so to lose a goal from a corner wasn't pleasing. But looking at the video I think two of our defenders collided, leaving Mullins with a free header which he put away nicely."
"The last few minutes dragged on but the lads stood tall and it was a much happier dressing room after the game. It certainly made for a better weekend safe in the knowledge that we had bagged three points. That means Wrexham cannot realistically overtake us for three games. That puts a lot of pressure on them."
So you'll be having a weekend off from football then?
"No on the contrary. I would feel lost if I didn't have a game to go to. I am heading off to EdgeleyPark to watch Stockport take on Rochdale. Whilst we will have them both watched nearer the time, it will be good to cast an eye over them as we are due to meet both teams in the coming weeks."
Lucky Ray! Ten minutes into the second half, Rochdale incredibly led the home team 6-2. Is this the same Stockport team that went nine games without conceding a goal?

STAGS boss Billy Dearden was a disappointed man tonight after his depleted side again went down to a struggling side as Macclesfield Town won 2-1 at Field Mill tonight.
He said: "I was very disappointed. They scored twice before we started doing anything about it.

"You can't blame the young lads. It's down to the pros. They all seemed to be waiting for something to happen instead of making it happen.

"We sat back and we were not tight enough all over the pitch.
"We gave them a bad goal and then went 2-0 down before we started to pass it a bit. Before that I thought we were on the back foot for most of the game.

"Maybe we have got to a stage where we are comfortable or whatever.

"I told them last week that these will be the two hardest games of the season and they proved to be that. If our performances had been anything like we would have won both these games.

"I am disappointed for our supporters. Let's not forget we had a great run to get where we are. Now we are having a bad run and it's up to me to put it right.

"We are missing players like Jon D'Laryea and Jake Buxton and I was hoping the youngsters would come in and give me a problem.

"They haven't done that but I can't criticise them as they have not had enough football to do that with having no reserve side."